Family and Budget-Friendly Safari
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Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned and operated Big 5 reserve nestled in the heart of the Eastern Cape. It’s no surprise that the spirit of family is at the core of everything we do, including our safari accommodations.
Spanning 11,500 hectares of protected wilderness, Kariega offers an ideal setting for families and large groups to encounter incredible wildlife and explore the rugged landscapes that the Eastern Cape is famous for. Our five, beautiful lodges cater to a range of tastes and budgets, ensuring every guest find the ideal accommodation option and enjoys an unforgettable stay.
Here’s a look at what you can expect when booking your stay at Main Lodge or The Homestead, both of which are ideally suited to family and budget-friendly safari's.
Main Lodge: Family-Friendly Comfort
Going on safari with little ones is a wonderful way to transform the biodiverse wilderness of the Eastern Cape into an interactive classroom. Feedback from parents headed on safari with children often highlights that safari lodges are great at providing a tranquil and exclusive environment for adults, but not kids. Main Lodge is the exception, with thoughtfully crafted spaces for children to be free and engaged, while adults and couples can retreat to find peace and connection.
Main Lodge offers families, couples and solo travellers the opportunity to enjoy the wonder of the Eastern Cape with budget-friendly yet luxurious safari accommodation. It's a favourite amongst families visiting Kariega, as our playroom is located here, offering mom and dad a little break when needed. It offers spacious chalets that serve as a cosy retreat after a day of adventure, while seamlessly blending luxury with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Key Features:
Spacious Chalets: Whether your family is big or small, our chalets are equipped to provide you with a comfortable stay. Each chalet is air-conditioned and features en-suite bedrooms, ensuring the perfect night’s rest before a day of adventure exploring the wild landscape of the Eastern Cape. The large private viewing decks provide stunning vistas of the Kariega river valley, with some featuring exclusive plunge pools for an extra touch of luxury.
Communal Areas for Relaxation: The lodge boasts a welcoming restaurant and boma, where traditional meals are served buffet-style, fostering a communal dining experience. Our guests love unwinding with a drink at the bar or taking a refreshing dip in the pool, all while being enveloped by the natural beauty of the surrounding bush.
Family-Focused Dining Options: Travelling with picky eaters can be challenging, but we’re here to make your stay stress-free and relaxing! Our talented chefs understand the unique needs of families and have designed a variety of meal options to please all ages. We offer a delicious kids' menu to satisfy tiny taste buds, and with our buffet-style dining, even the pickiest eaters will find something they love—making mealtime an enjoyable experience for everyone. We do our best to accommodate all dietary requirements, but please contact us when booking your stay to discuss any specific needs.
Activities
Enjoy twice-daily safari drives with one of our experienced field guides or put on your most comfortable walking shoes for magical bush walks. Wildlife sightings suitable for all ages.
Kariega’s Playroom is also located at the Main Lodge, and is the perfect place for the kids to burn off some extra energy from the day. Books, table tennis, toys, puzzles and a range of other activities are available for kids to enjoy during their stay!
On arrival children are introduced to our Kids on Safari Programme. One of the activities is a guided trail within the boundaries of Main Lodge, where they’ll learn about the wonders of nature and their surroundings. After this interactive experience, they’ll be given a short quiz to earn their Junior Ranger Certificate.
For those guests who enjoy exploring at their own pace, the Blue Duiker Trail offers a wonderful opportunity. This self-guided trail is located in a safe, fenced area and showcases stunning flora, birdlife, and breathtaking scenery. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature while enjoying the tranquillity of the bush.
Atmosphere
The Main Lodge is perfect for first-time safari goers, and provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that makes the perfect getaway. Our lounge area has ample space for you to relax and hang about, or grab a bite to eat in our spacious dining area.
The Homestead: Exclusive Use for Groups
The Homestead is a private safari lodge offering our guests all the comfort, convenience and privacy of home. Nestled in a secluded part of the reserve, this exclusive-use lodge is the perfect accommodation for those seeking a private and personalised experience. The Homestead is great for large families or groups and offers complete flexibility, with a dedicated team—including a private game ranger, host, and cook—ensuring every aspect of your stay is tailored to your preferences.
Key Features
The lodge provides an exclusive and flexible safari experience perfectly suited for families or groups. One of its standout features is the inclusion of a private safari vehicle and two dedicated field guides. This setup allows guests to create a completely personalised safari adventure that allows them to explore Kariega on their own schedule. The added feature of two field guides is also a wonderful way for you to enjoy more insightful and engaging experiences during game drives.
Atmosphere
We strive to create an atmosphere that feels like a true home-away-from-home, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the African wilderness.
Tips for Choosing the Right Accommodation
Consider Your Group Size
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, or a larger group, the size of your party will influence your choice. For example, The Homestead is perfect for private group stays, while Main Lodge offers family-friendly comfort and communal spaces, so choose what works for you.
Define the Purpose of Your Trip
Are you planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a milestone celebration? Knowing the focus of your trip will help you select a lodge that aligns with the outcome you’re trying to achieve. At Kariega Game Reserve you have the choice of Settlers Drift, Ukhozi Lodge, River Lodge, Main Lodge and The Homestead.
Set Your Budget
Safari accommodations come in a range of price points, from all-inclusive luxury lodges to more affordable options. Kariega offers different lodges to suit a variety of budgets, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on quality or experience.
Book Your Stay
Our reservations team would love to accommodate your unique needs and make your Kariega safari a reality! Don’t hesitate to contact us at reservations@kariega.co.za or call +27 (0) 46 636 7904.
Contact our friendly reservations team today!
A Safari at Kariega Game Reserve is a Safari with purpose. Read about the impact created through the Kariega Foundation in 2024. Thank you to all Kariega Game Reserve guests who become our part of conservation-minded community working together to protect, preserve and benefit our planet, wildlife and people.
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